IOG Online Learning Process is a Cut Above the Rest for Lawn Maintenance Expert Lawn3
Published Date: 02/06/2008
Innovative and rapidly expanding lawn maintenance specialist Lawn3 is working closely with the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) to adopt the National Certificate for Sports & Amenity Turf Maintenance Level 2 accreditation for everyone involved in all of its 15 franchises throughout the UK.
The qualification will be taken by the franchisees using the IOG’s innovative Moodle online learning route, thus enabling participants to gain accreditation to the national standard in their own time and at their own pace.
According to Lawn3 boss Richard Abbott, the Level 2 qualification will be yet another differentiator between Lawn3 and “those companies which are increasingly giving the industry a bad name”.
He continues: “While customers do ask whether Lawn3 personnel hold any recognised qualifications – and all our operators are NPTC qualified to PA1 & PA6 for herbicides/sprayers - the main driver for our total commitment to this accreditation is to ensure Lawn3 stays ahead of the competition.
“Our policy is one of continual improvement in the services we provide and the resulting customer benefits - correct lawn treatment care is not simply about dispensing weed killer and fertiliser, and cutting the grass!”
Developed by the IOG in conjunction with City & Guilds and NPTC, the Level 2 National Certificate incorporates eight optional units and six compulsory units:
- Plant Growth in relation to Sports and Amenity Turf
Principles of Machinery (Sports and Amenity Turf) Weeds, Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Sports and Amenity Turf Health and Safety in the Sports and Amenity Turf Industry Operation and Maintenance of Sports and Amenity Turf Equipment Principles of Sports and Amenity Turf. The optional units are:
- Maintenance of Amenity Turf
Maintenance of Sports Turf – Cricket Maintenance of Sports Turf – Bowling Greens Maintenance of Sports Turf – Tennis Courts Maintenance of Sports Turf – Association Football Pitches Maintenance of Sports Turf – Rugby Pitches Maintenance of Sports Turf – Golf facilities Maintenance of Sports Turf – Horse racing facilities. The structure of the qualification is such that candidates will have CPD documentation that shows clearly the sports option(s) achieved. The qualification incorporates the Performance Quality Standards for sports surfaces, and provides a career pathway to Level 3
Richard Abbott concludes: “Lawn3 is a full member of the IOG, so it was natural for us to utilise the IOG expertise – and its easy-to-use Moodle technology – to keep ahead of everyone else.”
